TYPOLOGY OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE FOR TRADITIONAL MOSQUES IN
PENINSULAR MALAYSIA FROM 1700 – 1900 AD
(Tipologi Seni Bina Masjid-Masjid Tradisional di Semenanjung Malaysia
dari 1700 – 1900 Masihi)
Oleh:
Azizul Azli Ahmad , Aizan Hj Ali @ Mat Zin**dan Ezrin Arbi***
*
Abstract
This paper is based on an analysis of typological plan and main structures in several traditional
mosques in Peninsular Malaysia. Emphasis is given on main prayer area and the main structure
which supports the mosques’ roof system. Traditional or early mosque was identified by its multitiered pyramidal roofs. Hence, objective of this study is to identify the forms and categories of the
mosque on the building structure. Nowadays, the unique characteristic of this mosque has survived the
test of time and can still be viewed on various traditional mosques. This exceptional roof system has
put the mosques in its own exclusive circle, different from the rest of other mosques in the Islamic
world. Thus, this study involves an analysis of 13 mosques which were constructed between 1700 to
1900 AD in Peninsular Malaysia. Finding of this study shows that the main prayer area is squareshaped, supported by four central columns in the middle of it. The four main structures which raised
the roof system had influenced the shape and architecture of the multi-tiered pyramidal roofs of
mosques in Peninsular Malaysia.
Keywords: typology, main prayer hall, traditional mosques
Introduction
There are various perspectives and scholarly articles in discussing the architecture of traditional
mosques in Peninsular Malaysia. However, very few of them have ventured into areas which involved
the mosques’ interior and structure. Discourse in mosque form and interior often lacks in depth
discussion and not backed up with analysis and field study. Thus, the existing general views regarding
mosque interior are hardly based on strong data or specific research on mosques in the Peninsular in
particular. Currently, most of the researches tend to discuss the issue in general manner without
referring in to specific period.
Thus, this research and analysis refer to the Peninsular Malaysia traditional mosque typology between
1700 and 1900 AD based on the basic floor plans and roof structures, of the main prayer hall that has
four principle pillars known as (Soko Guru). These characteristics are significant in the development
of traditional mosques which remain till today.
The main source of this research is the field data obtained from selected traditional mosques. Data
collection was carried out by the researcher in January 2012. Thirteen traditional mosques were
selected for this research which all of them were properly measured and taken pictures. The list of
mosques stretched to fifty six. Information about them were obtained from states’ museums, National
*
Senior Lecturer, Department of Interior Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Survey, Universiti Teknologi
MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, Department of Interior Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Survey, Universiti
Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, azizulazli@gmail.com
**
Senior Lecturer, Department of Islamic History and Civilization, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM),
Malaysia, 2Department of Islamic History and Civilization, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM),
Malaysia, aizan@um.edu.my
***
Emeritus Professor,
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya,
Malaysia3Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia,
ezrin_fab@um.edu.my
Jurnal Al-Tamaddun Bil.8(2) 2013, 89-100
Heritage Department1, Centre for The Study of Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM)
UTM 2, and Malaysia Heritage Trust3 and National Archive as listed in Table 1. (Refer Table 1)
Unfortunately, most of the mosques listed could not be found or were already dilapidated if they not
entirely ruined. More disheartening is that some of these traditional mosques were replaced with new
architectural design without having any effort to maintain their traditional features. Consequently, the
shape of the main prayer hall and the integrity the structures were not able to be determined.
Basic Requirements of Traditional Peninsular Mosques
Prior to evaluating and analysing the typology and structures of the mosques, this paper will discuss
requirements of space in the planning of traditional mosques in Peninsular Malaysia.
2.1
Prayer Hall/ Prayer Space
Mosques function as a place for prayers and these activities require basic and most important prayer
hall. Most prayer halls are bare and spacious without any barriers so that congregational prayers can
be easily performed. A prayer hall is also the most significant, central area and more spacious than
other parts of the mosque’s interior. In traditional Peninsula mosques prayer halls are barricaded by
walls which act as barriers for this area. In the process of collecting data for this task, the researcher
found that all of the mosques’ prayer halls were secured with walls as boundaries. These walls divide
one area to another without bearing the weight of the roofs. Verandas are not original components of
traditional mosque architecture, and they became part of the building much later.
2.2
Mihrab
Mihrab is a small space at the front of the mosque’s interior which marks the qiblah and acts as the
place for imams to lead the prayers. As a focal point in mosques, mihrab plays an important role in the
process of entering the main prayer hall. Efficient planning of the mosque interior will ensure that the
focal point can be clearly seen from the mosque’s main entrance. Interestingly, mihrab is not given an
emphasis in the architecture and as a component in traditional Malay mosques as compared to the
mosques in Java and the rest of the Malay Archipelago or Nusantara4. The latter acknowledged the
importance of mihrab and have made it as one of the main components5 in their mosques. For the
traditional Malay mosques, mihrab has less importance and in some of the mosques involved in the
study, their mihrabs were constructed after the completion the prayer hall.
1
National Heritage Department, The Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture has gazetted 16 mosques from
317 buildings under the wing of National Heritage commencing March 1 st, 2006 under the act of Warisan Kebangsaan
2005.
2
Founded in 1996 and able to collect measured drawings of traditional architecture in Malaysia which involves mosques,
castles, residential, business premises and others which have high historical values. Collection of drawings began in 1975.
It has managed to record 350 measured drawings and 45 of them were traditional mosques.
3
Malaysia Heritage Trust is a non-governmental organization (NGO) which carries out documentation work, educating,
awareness and conservation of traditional and historical buildings in Malaysia. This organization has completed
documented data on historical buildings in Malaysia for the purpose of conservation.
4
Nusantara refers to Malaysia, Indonesia aand the Phillipines. It is also referred to as the Malay world or Malay islands,
Malay-Indonesia Island, Nusantara or Malaysia.
5
Masjid Kampung Tuan (1830), Masjid Kampung Laut (1730an) dan Masjid Lama Parit Istana (1796). Masjid Kampung
Pantai (1925) do not have any mihrab in their mosques.
90
Typology Of Interior Architecture for Traditional Mosques
in Peninsular Malaysia from 1700 -1900 AD
Mosques
No
1
2
Mosque
district
Northern Masjid Batu Uban, Penang
Zone 1
Masjid Melayu Bandar Taiping,
2
3
3
4
5
6
4
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
8
9
10
11
12
11
12
13
14
15
13
East
Zone 1
2
16
3
17
18
19
4
5
6
20
21
7
8
22
9
23
10
24
11
25
26
West
Zone
2
27
3
28
4
29
5
Perak
Masjid Kampung Kubang Rotan,
Alor Setar
Masjid Kapitan Keeling, Penang
Masjid Lebuh Acheh, Penang
Masjid Jamek Pengkalan
Kakap, Merbok Kedah
Masjid Kota Lama Kanan, Kuala
Kangsar, Perak
Masjid Ubudiyah, Perak
Masjid Papan, Perak
Masjid Tua Kampung Masjid
Tinggi, Perak
Masjid Paloh, Perak
Masjid Kuala Dal, Kuala
Kangsar
Masjid Zahir, Kedah
Masjid Kampung Laut,
Kelantan
Masjid Kampung Tok Pulai
Chondong, Kelantan
Masjid Negeri Muhamadiah,
Kelantan
Masjid Langgar, Kelantan
Masjid Tok Kenali, Kelantan
Masjid Kampung Pantai,
Pahang
Masjid Tok Selehor, Kelantan
Masjid Zainal Abidin,
Kuala Terengganu
Masjid Kg Tok Tuan,
kemaman, Trengganu
Masjid Hiliran Kg Hiliran,
Trengganu
Masjid Jamek (Tua) Seremban,
Kampung Besut, Trengganu
Masjid Dato Dagang Kg Jawa,
Kelang, Selangor
Masjid Alhah Alam/ Sg Kandis,
Selangor
Masjid Sg Gulang, Kuala
Selangor, Selangor
Masjid Sultan Alaeddin, Jugra,
Selangor
Masjid India, Kelang, Selangor
91
C C SC
S D
Constr
uction
year
Negeri
1734
Penang
C
Vt
1893
Perak
A
Se
1811
(?)
1802
1808
1808
Kedah
F
Vt
B
A
1 A
Se
Nc
Nc
1916
Perak
B
1917
1888
1897
Perak
Perak
Perak
A
2 A
A
Nc
Vt
Vt
1912
1936
Perak
Perak
A
A
Vt
Vt
1912
1730s
Kedah
Kelantan
A
3 A
Nc
Vt
1857
Kelantan
B
Vt
1867
Kelantan
C
Vt
1874
1936
1925
Kelantan
Kelantan
Kelantan
4 A
B
5 A
Vt
Vt
Vt
1921
1808
Kelantan
Trengganu
A
C
Vt
Nc
1830
Trengganu
6 A
Vt
1874
Trengganu
B
Vt
1895
Trengganu
C
Nc
1876
Selangor
B
Se
1896
Selangor
B
Se
1898
Selangor
C
Vt
1898
Selangor
A
Nc
1904
Selangor
A
Nc
Penang
Penang
Kedah
Jurnal Al-Tamaddun Bil.8(2) 2013, 89-100
30
31
32
6
7
8
33
9
34
10
35
36
11
12
37
13
38
14
39
40
15
16
41
17
42
43
44
Masjid India Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Kg Permatang Kuala
Selangor
Masjid Sultan Sulaimen,
Selangor
Masjid Parit Serong, Kuala
Selangor, Selangor
Masjid Raja Alang Selangor
Masjid Lama Parit Istana,
Kuala Pilah
Masjid Jamek Petra Sendeng,
Negeri Sembilan
Masjid Kariah Kampung
Mendom
Masjid Lama lenggeng
Masjid Kampung Kuala
Sedang, Tanjong Ipoh
Masjid Lama Kg Tanjong
Beringin, Sri Menanti
Masjid Kg Hulu, Melaka
Southern
Zone
Masjid Tengkera, Melaka
2
Masjid Kg Keling, Melaka
3
1900s
1909
1916
Selangor
Selangor
Selangor
A
B
B
Nc
Nc
Vt
1932
Selangor
B
Nc
1936
Selangor
C
Vt
1939
1796
Selangor
N.Sembilan
B
7 A
Nc
Vt
1928
N.Sembilan
1928
N.Sembilan
B
Vt
1840
1908
N.Sembilan
N.Sembilan
8 A
9 D
Vt
Vt
1892
N.Sembilan
Vt
1728
Melaka
1728
1748
Melaka
Melaka
1 A
0
1 A
1
A
1 A
2
A
B
A
A
1 A
3
B
Se
Nc
Nc
Se
Se
Se
45
46
47
48
4
5
6
7
Masjid Kg Duyong, Melaka
Masjid Jamek Umbai, Melaka
Masjid Tanjung Keling,Melaka
Masjid Jamek Teluk Mas,
Melaka
1850
1852
1830
1826
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Melaka
Se
Se
Se
Se
49
8
Masjid Peringgit, Melaka
1720
Melaka
50
9
1894
Johor
51
52
10
11
1892
1908
Johor
Melaka
B
B
Nc
Se
53
12
1927
Johor
B
Nc
54
55
13
14
1927
1937
Johor
Johor
C
A
Nc
Nc
56
15
Masjid Jamek Sultan Abu Bakar,
Johor
Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor
Masjid Assalam Kesang Tua,
Jasin Melaka
Masjid Sultan Ibrahim Muar,
Johor
Masjid Pasir Pelangi, Johor
Masjid Jamek, Bandar Pontian
Johor
Masjid Air Bolai, Pontian Johor
?
Johor
B
Vt
Table 1. Identification of specific characteristics of Peninsular Malaysia’s Traditional Mosques between 1700 and
1900 AD
Legend:
CS = Case Study
CD = Condition
A = original condition with little change (0%-10%)
B = Original condition with minimum change (10%-50%)
C = Original condition with maximum changes (50%-90%)
D = ruined
E = ruined and new mosque was re-constructed on the same
location in 20th Century.
F = destroyed or missing
SC = Specific characteristics
Vt = Vernacular/ traditional
Nc = Neo -colonial
Se = Sino Eclectic
92
Source: State Islamic Council, State Museum Administration , Heritage Department, Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism
Typology Of Interior Architecture for Traditional Mosques
in Peninsular Malaysia from 1700 -1900 AD
The Mosque Structure and Roof
Geographical factors have dictated that the design of mosques in tropical areas must come with a roof
as protection for the building. Thus, the prayer hall has to come with a roof on top of its area.
Compared to the mosques in the Arabia, the mosques in the Malay world have specific characteristics
in the design of its roofs. Two or three-tiered pyramidal roofs are common in the traditional Malay
mosques in the Peninsula.
The roof design becomes a specific characteristic in the identification of traditional Malay mosques in
the Archipelago. Apart from protecting the mosques from rain and heat, the two or three tiered
pyramidal roofs have become a significant symbol to the identity of the Islamic communities in this
region. The roof structure is supported by the structure of wooden main pillars. Out of this entire
support system, there is one main structure6 that backs the central area of the mosque known as soko
guru7 to the Javanese.
Roof Top
Main Structure
Lower Roof
Picture 1: Main structure
principles of traditional
peninsular mosque
No
6
Zone
1
North
2
North
3
West
4
West
Picture 2: Axonometric Main Structure
of traditional mosque (Masjid Papan)
Mosques
Locati
on /
state
Kedah
Masjid
Pengkalan
Kakap,
Merbok
Masjid Papan, Perak
Pusing
Masjid Lama,
Parit Istana,
Kuala Pilah
Masjid Lama
Lenggeng
Year
Type
constr Pl Str Mbr
ucted
1808 ▌
♦
∩
1803
▄
Interior
srb tkp
Sb
⌂
Ts
☼
●
□
∆
Ts
☼
N.
1796
Sembilan
▄
●
□
Χ
Ts
☼
N.
1840
Sembilan
▄
♦
□
∆
Tp
♥
Masjid Sang Pencipta has unique and attractive mihrab due to its Hinddu-Buddha influence which had established itself
earlier. Mihrab’s design in Masjid Sang Pencipta, Masjid Kudus dan Masjid Gunung Jati, Cirebon exemplify how
Islamilization had enriched Islamic art through the process of acculturation. This type of Indonesian Mihrab style can only
be found in Javanese mosques.
7
There are four main pillars that support the roof system. Available in many Javanese mosques.
93
Jurnal Al-Tamaddun Bil.8(2) 2013, 89-100
5
West
6
West
7
South
8
South
9
South
10
East
11
East
12
East
13
East
Masjid Lama,
Kampung
Tanjung
Beringin,
Masjid Lama
Kg Kuala
Serdang
Masjid
Peringgit
Masjid
Kampung
Hulu
N.
1892
Sembilan
▄
●
□
⌂
Ts
♥
N
1902
Sembilan
▄
●
□
Χ
Ts
♥
Melaka
1720
▄
♦
□
⌂
Ts
☼
Melaka
1728
▄
●
□
⌂
Ts
☼
♦
□
⌂
Ts
☼
♦
∏
∆
Tp
☼
○
∩
Χ
Ts
♥ (?)
♦
□
∆
Tp
♥
●
□
∆
Tp
☼
Masjid
Melaka 1748 ▄
Kampung
Keling
Masjid
Kelantan 1730an ▄
Kampung
Laut, Nilam
Puri
Masjid
Trengganu 1830
▄
Kampung
Tuan,
Kemaman
Masjid Tua Kelantan 1874
▌
Langgar, Kota
Bharu,
Masjid
Pahang
1925
▄
kampung
Pantai,
Chennor
Table 2: Specific characteristics of the interiors of 13 mosques chosen for the case study.
Legend:
Pl = Plan
▌ = Rectangular
▄ = Square
Str = Structure
○ = without main column / main pillar
● = 4 main pillars ( Tiang Seri)
♦ = more than 4 main pillars
Mbr = Minbar
∩ = Arch minbar
□ = Square minbar
∏ = Rectangular minbar
Srb = Veranda
Χ = no veranda
∆ = back veranda
⌂ = all-around veranda
Tkp = Windows
Tp = Full Windows
Ts = Half Window
Sb = Roof ridge
♥ = No ridge
☼ = with ridge
Traditional Mosque Typology based on the Plan and Main Structure.
Data obtained for this study show that most traditional mosques in Peninsular Malaysia which were
constructed between 1700 and 1900 AD have square-shaped plan (11 mosques). Only a few (2
mosques) are made of rectangular-shaped plan. There are a very small number of mosques which were
built on different shapes of plans.
According to its structural principle, traditional mosques have four (4) main central pillars at the
prayer hall (6 mosques) and the rest are supported by more than four main pillars. In addition, some
94
Typology Of Interior Architecture for Traditional Mosques
in Peninsular Malaysia from 1700 -1900 AD
mosques do not have any supporting pillars in the main prayer hall (Masjid Kampung Tuan, 1803). In
Negeri Sembilan, there is a mosque which has only one main pillar (soko tunggal) 8 providing support
to all the centre of the prayer hall. Masjid Lama Parit Istana (1796) has four main pillars which were
finely carved by four different tribes. Unfortunately, these exquisite pillars and the entire mosque are
in bad shape due to neglect. A new mosque was constructed adjacently to replace it. Another mosque
with beautifully carved pillars can be found in Masjid Tanjung Beringin (1892)9.
Based on the research, traditional mosques in Peninsular Malaysia are divided into two categories of
main plans: one is square-plan and the other is rectangular-plan. The square-plan can be divided into
four types of plans namely: (1) square-plan with single pillar (Masjid Kampung Mendon, 1928), (2)
square-plan without the support of main pillars (Masjid Kampung Tuan, 1830), (3) square-plan with
four main supporting pillars (Masjid Kampung Hulu, 1728), (4) square-plans with more than four
supporting pillars (Masjid Kampung Laut, 1730an). As for the rectangular-plans, it can be found in
two categories: (1) rectangular-plans with four main pillars (Masjid Kampung Bukit Bayas, 1873), (2)
rectangular-plan with more than four main pillars (Masjid Kampung Hilirian, 1895). Most mosques
which were constructed on a square-plan were completed with pyramidal roofs. As for rectangularplan mosques, they are usually completed with five-ridge roof shape (Bumbung Lima) or “Bumbung
Perak” (also known as Dutch style roof ridge), a more complex gable.
4.1
Main Plan
Based on the analysis of plans and structures, traditional mosques in Peninsular Malaysia are squareplan and supported by four main pillars at the prayer hall. Conclusively, this is the most common
original design of these traditional mosques since they are built in the same period and share the same
typological patterns. Early mosques such as Masjid Kampung Laut (1730an), Masjid Kampung Hulu
(1728), Masjid Peringgit (1720), Masjid Kampung Keling(1748), Masjid Lama, Parit Istana (1796),
Masjid Kampung Tuan (1830), Masjid Lama Lenggeng (1840), Masjid Lama, Kampung Tanjung
Beringin (1892), Masjid Papan (1888), Masjid Lama Kampung Kuala Serdang (1902) dan Masjid
Kampung Pantai (1925) have similar basic shapes.
It is believed that the original plan of Peninsular Malaysia’s traditional mosques has square-shaped
prayer hall without any veranda. Any veranda found in these early mosques were constructed later and
attached to the existing prayer hall10. Another part of the mosque which was added during postconstruction was the mihrab upon analysis of original plans which was not part of its initial
development (as found in Masjid Kampung Tuan and Masjid Kampung Laut).
4.2
Types of Plan
4.2.1
Square-plan
a.
Without the structure of main pillars
This type of mosques is square-plan and the prayer halls were not supported by four main pillars. This
type of mosque can be found in Masjid Kampung Tuan, Kemaman (1830). This mosque uses “space
frame” to support the mosque’s roof load and distribute it to the wall on the sides of the building.
Although it is being used today, the mosque is not considered as the place for Friday prayer. The
8
Masjid Kampung Mendon, 1928. Negeri Sembilan. Renovation work done in 2010 has changed the original structure.
Main structural pillar of this mosque is believed to have been taken from Masjid Bakar.
10
Masjid Kampung Tuan (1830), Masjid Parit Istana (1796) dan Masjid Lama, Kuala Serdang (1902) do not have any
veranda but square-shaped prayer halls can be found in the mosques.
95
9
Jurnal Al-Tamaddun Bil.8(2) 2013, 89-100
uniqueness of this mosque lies in its wooden structure. Due to its non-existent support, this mosque
has a measurement scale that is small to average.
Prayer Hall
Buton shaped pinnacle
Mosque section
Axonometric mosque and
‘space frame’ on its structure
Picture 3: Square-shaped plan
without main pillar structure.
Masjid
Kampung
tuan,
Kemaman (1830)
Picture 3
Masjid Kampung Tuan
b.
Single-pillar main structure
With only one main pillar structure at the prayer hall, the diameter of the pillar is usually bigger than
other pillars in the mosque. The Javanese name it as Soko Tunggal. Masjid Kampung Mendon, Negeri
Sembilan (1928) (Picture 4) shares the same characteristic and it still functions to this day. According
to Ezrin Arbi, to the Minangkabau, the pillar is known as Tiang Macu’11. This mosque has a small
scale design and average space because of its single-pillar support system.
Picture 4:
Masjid Kampung Mendon, Negeri Sembilan (1928) with the pillar is known as Tiang Macu
c.
Four main support pillars
This category of mosque is found mostly among traditional mosques in the Peninsular Malaysia. Most
of these mosques have four main structural pillars which support the mosque’s roof system. Mosques
11
Discussion with Prof.Emeritus Ezrin Arbi, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya
on 26 June 2012 at The Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. Time : 10.30am – 1.00pm
96
Typology Of Interior Architecture for Traditional Mosques
in Peninsular Malaysia from 1700 -1900 AD
of this particular category are usually found in average and big scale space. Masjid Kampung Hulu
(1728), Masjid Lama Parit Istana (1796), Masjid Papan (1888) dan Masjid Lama Kampung Tanjung
Beringian (1892) are among the traditional mosques with for main pillars. They are also known as
Community Mosque since they are common places and easy to be located among the locals.
Masjid Lama Parit Istana
Masjid
d.Axonometric
More than
four pillars
Structure of carved pillar
Structure Elevation
Picture 5: Square-plan with the
structure of four main pillars. Plan and
position of pillars of Masjid Lama
Parit Istana (1796)
Roof Structure
Traditional mosques which fall under this category have more supporting pillars at the roofs and come
with bigger space scale compared to the other types of mosques. Sustaining pillars of these mosques
are smaller compared to the size of the four-pillar type. Masjid Kampung Laut (1730s) is one the
square-shaped mosque with more than four pillars. Altogether, this mosque has sixteen (16) pillars and
also known as the Leader’s Mosque.
Structure Elevation
4.2.2 Rectangular
a.
Four Main Pillars
The structure of pillars.
Picture 6: rectangular - plan with
more than four structural pillars.
Masjid Langgar (1878)
Picture 6
97
Jurnal Al-Tamaddun Bil.8(2) 2013, 89-100
Most mosques with rectangular-plan are usually built with Lima roof (bumbung Lima) or Dutch style
roof-ridge (Bumbung Panjang). A mosque that has for main pillars at the prayer hall normally is on a
small or average space scale. The pillars which put the wall together carry most of the load from the
roof. Masjid Kampung Bukit Bayas (1873) was originally designed as such. As mosque architecture
goes through phases of development, the wall section was removed, revealing the pillars.
Consequently, the prayer hall became more spacious. This type of mosque is considered as early
mosques for it is ability to retain its roof shape that resembles the Malay house gable.
(A)
(B)
(C)
b. More than Four Pillars
Many rectangular-shaped mosques are found to have more than four pillars as their main structure.
Masjid Hiliran (1895), Masjid Kampung Kubang Semang (1873), Masjid Pengkalan Kakap (1808) dan
Masjid Kampung Kubang Rotan (n.d) are among the mosques that were built with this structure.
These mosques have bigger space scale as compared to other traditional mosques. In fact, it is believed
Picture 7: Types of roof (A) roof-ridge (Bumbung Panjang) (B) Lima roof (bumbung Lima) (C) Pyramidal roof
b.
More than Four Pillars
Many rectangular-shaped mosques are found to have more than four pillars as their main structure.
Masjid Hiliran (1895), Masjid Kampung Kubang Semang (1873), Masjid Pengkalan Kakap (1808) dan
Masjid Kampung Kubang Rotan (n.d) are among the mosques that were built with this structure.
These mosques have bigger space scale as compared to other traditional mosques. In fact, it is believed
that most of them belong to the local leaders of that time. Masjid Kubang Rotan, for instance, is
elevated to a high scale and it was reported that an elephant 12 was used as the main transportation to
the mosque.
Based on field research, there are some mosques designs were originally made for Malay houses and
later they were developed into mosque plans. The plan and structure of this kind of mosque resembles
the arrangements and components of the traditional Malay house. Masjid Makam Langgar (circa 1925)
contains Balai Nobat hall, the main house called Rumah Ibu. Selang (interval), balai perempuan
(female hall), veranda and rumah dapur (kitchen area) all of which were common in the Malay house
design (Picture 8). In addition, there is Surau Langgar Tuan Guru Abdullah in Kedah which was
designed to be rectangular-shaped without any structural pillar in it. Previously, it is believed that this
surau was a mosque and had changed its status after the development of new mosques around the
areas.
12
Elephant owners at that time had high social status, only royals and noblemen used elephants as means of transportation.
The same applies to Masjid Kampung Laut.
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Typology Of Interior Architecture for Traditional Mosques
in Peninsular Malaysia from 1700 -1900 AD
Structure Elevation
Picture 8: Masjid Makam Langgar (circa 1925)
contains Balai Nobat hall, the main house called
Rumah Ibu. Selang (interval), balai perempuan
(female hall), veranda and rumah dapur (kitchen
area) all of which were common in the Malay house
design . (Soure : KALAM 1987/88 Masjid Makam
Langgar)
Conclusion
Based on research and analysis of traditional Peninsular Malaysia’s mosques’ various plans, the
researcher concludes that, there are two main mosque plans which were developed among traditional
mosques namely the square-plan and the rectangular-plans. Both designs were supported by main
structural pillars of varying number. The designs of the roof were identified to have a link with the
shape of the mosque plan. Square-plan comes with pyramidal roofs where the rectangular-plan
mosques were constructed with bumbung lima (Dutch style roof ridge) or potongan panjang. In terms
of dominance, it was found that square-plan mosque plan and pyramidal roofs seem to be central to the
shaping of traditional mosque architecture in the Peninsular Malaysia. This type of design can be
found in almost all zones in Peninsular Malaysia.
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